Letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy

GR-OF CA CA-SF02-S01-SS02-F20-SF001-0050 (425)

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[Alexandria] 12th August 1884
    My dear Constantine,        Your greatly valued and endearing letter of the 1st     only reached me yesterday, and has still further served     to prove to me (if another proof were needed) the kindliness     of your good heart, and the nobleness and rectitude of your     sentiments. In all things I admire you, and the     generosity of your character influences me, ― as is always     everywhere the case, ― to higher and to better thoughts.     In all sincerity I look to you as a wise Mentor, for you
    are wiser and more learned, than is generally the share     of others to be at your age: and I am sadly impatient     for that happy moment that will bring us two together.     “Arcades ambo”, ― but in its better sense. And now     ’tis an intense satisfaction to me to perceive in how     masterly a fashion you wield the pen. Your English,     as far as my poor knowledge admits of judging, is     well-nigh faultless, and, above all things that which
    is most to be admired, you have style ― “Le style c’est     l’homme” says Voltaire, and your letters speak of     your individuality thro’ every line.     Aristides in his letters to mother gives you all the     news, and I certainly think ― seeing poor Alexander’s     precarious state of health ― that he should come     (situation or no situation) so soon as the Cotton     season begins and Aristides may be enabled to earn
more without depriving you in Constantinople. The indemnities some say will be paid this year: in a good moment be it said. I was exceedingly sorry to hear of George’s illness: will you kindly give me his present address in your next letter? Moss is here, and he says will stay till November. He looks old and careworn. His brother’s death has been a severe blow for him: it seems they loved each other dearly. Many many kisses to dear mother and all and believe me ever Yours< John.

DIGITAL OBJECT DESCRIPTION

IDENTITY AREA

REFERENCE CODE:

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GR-OF CA CA-SF02-S01-SS02-F20-SF001-0050 (425)

TITLE:

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Letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy

DATE(S):

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12/8/1884

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Item

EXTENT AND MEDIUM:

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44 x 27.5 cm

FORMER REFERENCE CODE:

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F53_Φ1-32

CONTEXT AREA

NAME OF CREATOR(S):

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Cavafy, John

CONTENT AND STRUCTURE AREA

SCOPE AND CONTENT:

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Handwritten letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy, on the first and third pages of a double sheet letterhead of R. J. Moss & Co., Alexandria. The remaining pages are blank. Praise of his brother’s skills in English. Family news. (Alexandria)

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CC BY-SA 4.0 Cavafy Archive Onassis Foundation

LANGUAGE AND SCRIPT NOTES:

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English

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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Writing in ink. Watermark: R. J. Moss & Co., Alexandria.

NOTES AREA

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The transcription and editing of the letters of John Constantine Cavafy addressed to C. P. Cavafy was first carried out by Katerina Ghika; said transcriptions were subsequently uploaded to the official website of the Cavafy Archive.